Christian Lifestyles Newsletter, Feb 2014

Christian Lifestyles The Newsletter Celebrating Christian Life in Your Community February, 2014 Volume 2, Issue 8

During Black History Month, we celebrate the Courage of Black people who moved out of Bondage and Persevered through troubling times.

Strong Family relationships, Faith and Love were essential factors of their lifestyles. But above all, faith in God lead to their Success.

Please enjoy the scriptures mentioned within this month’s newsletter, which focus on these views.

Scripture Readings for Black History Month, by Stephanie Powers, eHow contributor, http://www.ehow.com/way_5246278_scripture-readings-black-history-month.html

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Courage ―After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses‘ aide: ‗Moses my servant is dead, now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land and I am about to give to them – to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates – all the Hittite country – to the Great Sea on the west.

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.‘ ‗Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let the Book of the Law depart from your mouth;

meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.‘‖ Joshua 1:1-9 “Joshua had attended upon Moses. He who was called to honor, had been long used to business. Our Lord Jesus took upon him the form of a servant. Joshua was trained up under command. Those are fittest to rule, who have learned to obey. The removal of useful men should quicken survivors to be the more diligent in doing good. Arise, go over Jordan. At this place and at this time the banks were overflowed. Joshua had no bridge or boats, and yet he must believe that God, having ordered the people over, would open a way.

Joshua is to make the law of God his rule. He is charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. Whatever affairs of this world we have to mind, we must not neglect the one thing needful. All his orders to the people, and his judgments, must be according to the law of God. Joshua must himself be under command; no man's dignity or dominion sets him above the law of God. He is to encourage himself with the promise and presence of God. Let not the sense of thine own infirmities dishearten thee; God is all-sufficient. I have commanded, called, and commissioned thee to do it, and will be sure to bear thee out in it.”

Matthew Henry’s Commentary excerpt, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/joshua/1-1.htm

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―To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‗If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.‖ John 8:31-32 “If ye continue in my word - Or, in this doctrine of mine. It is not enough to receive God's truth - we must retain and walk in it. And it is only when we receive the truth, love it, keep it, and walk in it, that we are the genuine disciples of Christ.

Ye shall know the truth-Shall have a constant experimental knowledge of its power and efficacy. And the truth shall make you free - It was a maxim of the Jews, „That no man was free, but he who exercised himself in the meditation of the law.‟ No man is truly free, but he in whose heart the power of sin is destroyed, and who has received the Spirit of adoption, through which he cries, Abba! Father! (see Romans 8:15). The bondage of sin is the most grievous bondage; and freedom from its guilt and influence is the greater liberty.”

Adam Clarke’s Commentary, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/john/8.htm

Out of Bondage ―Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.‖ 2 Corinthians 3:17 “In 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 3:8, the word τοπνευμα, spirit, evidently signifies the Gospel; so called because it points out the spiritual nature and meaning of the law; because it produces spiritual effects; and because it is especially the dispensation of the Spirit of God. Here Jesus Christ is represented as that Spirit, because he is the end of the law for justification to every one that believes; and because the residue of the Spirit is with him, and he is the dispenser of all its gifts, graces, and influences.

And where the Spirit of the Lord is - Wherever this Gospel is received, there the Spirit of the Lord is given; and wherever that Spirit lives and works, there is liberty, not only from Jewish bondage, but from the slavery of sin - from its power, its guilt, and its pollution.”

Adam Clarke’s Commentary, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/3-17.htm

“Now the Lord - Christ is that Spirit of the law whereof I speak, to which the letter was intended to lead. And where the Spirit of the Lord, Christ, is, there is liberty - Not the veil, the emblem of slavery. There is liberty from servile fear, liberty from the guilt and from the power of sin, liberty to behold with open face the glory of the Lord.”

John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible; http://biblehub.com/wesley

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Perseverance "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “I Have A Dream” President Barack Hussein Obama II “I Am The Dream” Jack Johnson & Mohammed Ali “Fight On!”

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation-since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blosso m falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.‖

James 1:1-11

“Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare.

We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs? Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. If, after all, any should say, This may be the case with some, but I fear I shall not succeed, the promise is, To any that - 4 Girls Killed in The 1963 Church Bombing, Birmingham, AL asketh, it shall be given.

Harriet Tubman born Araminta Harriet Ross And

Oprah Gail Winfrey “Are Cut From The Same Cloth”

A mind that has single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments.”

Matthew Henry’s Commentary, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/james/1.htm

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Family ―Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one‘s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.‖ Psalm 127:1-5

“The value of the Divine blessing. - Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs and business of a family we must depend upon his blessing. 1. For raising a family. If God be not acknowledged, we have no reason to expect his blessing; and the best-laid plans fail, unless he crowns them with success. 2. For the safety of a family or a city. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen, though they neither slumber nor sleep, wake but in vain; mischief may break out, which even early discoveries may not be able to prevent. 3. For enriching a family. Some are so eager upon the world, that they are continually full of care, which makes their comforts bitter, and their lives a burden. All this is to get money; but all in vain, except God prosper them: while those who love the Lord, using due diligence in their lawful callings, and casting all their care upon him, have needful success, without uneasiness or vexation.

Our care must be to keep ourselves in the love of God; then we may be easy, whether we have little or much of this world. But we must use the proper means very diligently. Children are God's gifts, a heritage, and a reward; and are to be accounted blessings, and not burdens: he who sends mouths, will send meat, if we trust in him. They are a great support and defense to a family. Children who are young, may be directed aright to the mark, God's glory, and the service of their generation; but when they are gone into the world, they are arrows out of the hand, it is too late to direct them then. But these arrows in the hand too often prove arrows in the heart, a grief to godly parents. Yet, if trained according to God's word, they generally prove the best defense in declining years, remembering their obligations to their parents, and taking care of them in old age. All earthly comforts are uncertain, but the Lord will assuredly comfort and bless those who serve him; and those who seek the conversion of sinners, will find that their spiritual children are their joy and crown in the day of Jesus Christ.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/127-5.htm

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―Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‗What shall we eat?‘ or ‗What shall we drink?‘ or ‗What shall we wear?‘ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough

trouble of its own.‖

Matthew 6:25-34

―There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life.

This often in snares the poor as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far. Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life; but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases.

Food and raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for tomorrow, or the events of it.

Faith

God has given us life, and has given us the body. And what can he not do for us, who did that? If we take care about our souls and for eternity, which are more than the body and its life, we may leave it to God to provide for us food and raiment, which are less. Improve this as an encouragement to trust in God. We must reconcile ourselves to our worldly estate, as we do to our stature. We cannot alter the disposals of Providence, therefore we must submit and resign ourselves to them. Thoughtfulness for our souls is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, and make religion your business: say not that this is the way to starve; no, it is the way to be well provided for, even in this world.

The conclusion of the whole matter is, that it is the will and command of the Lord Jesus, that by daily prayers we may get strength to bear us up under our daily troubles, and to arm us against the temptations that attend them, and then let none of these things move us. Happy are those who take the Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves wholly to his wise disposal.

Let thy Spirit convince us of sin in the want of this disposition, and take away the worldliness of our hearts.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/6-31.htm

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Love ―‗At that time,‘ declares the Lord, ‗I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.‘ This is what the Lord says: ‗The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.‘ The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‗I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful. Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit.‘‖ There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, ‗Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.‘ This is what the Lord says: ‗Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, ‗Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.‘ See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel‘s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.‘‖ Jeremiah 31:1-9 “God assures his people that he will again take them into covenant relation to himself. When brought very low, and difficulties appear, it is good to remember that it has been so with the church formerly. But it is hard under present frowns to take comfort from former smiles; yet it is the happiness of those who, through grace, are interested in the love of God, that it is an everlasting love, from everlasting in the counsels, to everlasting in the continuance. Those whom God loves with this love, he will draw to himself, by the influences of his Spirit upon their souls.

When praising God for what he has done, we must call upon him for the favors his church needs and expects. When the Lord calls, we must not plead that we cannot come; for he that calls us, will help us, will strengthen us. The goodness of God shall lead them to repentance. And they shall weep for sin with more bitterness, and more tenderness, when delivered out of their captivity, than when groaning under it. If we take God for our Father, and join the church of the firstborn, we shall want nothing that is good for us. These predictions doubtless refer also to a future gathering of the Israelites from all quarters of the globe. And they figuratively describe the conversion of sinners to Christ, and the plain and safe way in which they are led.” http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah+31&version=NIV

Christian Lifestyles The Newsletter Celebrating

On The Edge

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Our Human Condition On “The Dream Restored” “Now, and who we are now, is what matters. We can‟t live in Christian Life in Your Community the past—in fact, we want to be free of the past. Besides, people who look backward tend to sentimentalize the ‟good old days,‟ Success offering us little of value for our own time. We want no claim on “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, us by either the past or the future. Free to be, in the here and and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. now! That‟s us!”

- from Disciple Study Manual, 4th Edition Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who Thank You Lord for Your Word were before you.”

Matthew 5:11-12 “Say to my servant David: … I declare to you that the Lord will “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you. This is a build you a house. When your days are fulfilled to go to be with personal application of what has just preceded. Some of your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of those who listened were reviled by the Jews, and perse- your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a cuted unto death. For my sake. In Mt 5:10, it is said for house for me, and I will establish his throne forever.” righteousness' sake. The two expressions mean the same.

1 Chronicles 17:7, 10-12 “Happy are those whom you choose, whom you bring to live in your sanctuary. We shall be satisfied with the good things of your house, the blessings of your sacred Temple.” Psalm 65:4 “And say you, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.”

1 Chronicles 16:35 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad. On account of persecution. The reason why they may justly rejoice is given: Great is your reward in heaven. So they persecuted the prophets. Isaiah is said to have been sawed asunder; Jeremiah was thrown into a dungeon and threatened with death; Elijah was hunted by Ahab and Jezebel.”

Christian Humor

A man fell into a pit and couldn‟t get himself out. A subjective person came along and said, „I feel for you down there.‟ An objective person walked by and said, „It‟s logical that someone would fall down there.‟ A Pharisee said, „Only bad people fall into a pit.‟ A mathematician calculated how he fell into the pit. A People's New Testament, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/ news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit. An IRS matthew/5-12.htm agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit. A self-pitying person said, ‟You haven‟t seen anything until you‟ve seen my pit!‟ A fire-and-brimstone preacher said, ‟You deserve your pit!‟ A Christian Scientist observed, ‟The pit is just in your mind.‟ A psychologist noted, ‟Your mother and father are to blame for you being in that pit.‟ A self-esteem therapist said, „Believe in yourself and you can get out of that pit.‟ An optimist said, „Things could be worse.‟ A pessimist claimed, „Things will get worse. Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit!

Farmers’ Table Veggie Tortilla Roll Roll--Ups Ingredients 4(7-inch) WholeWheat Tortilla 8 Tbs. non-fat Cream Cheese 2 Cups shredded romaine lettuce or spinach 1 Cup chopped tomato 1/2 Cup chopped bell peper (red, green, yellow, orange or mixture) 1/2 Cup chopped cucumber 1/4 Cup diced green chilies 1/4 Cup sliced ripe olives, drained

A backsliding father constantly took his 5 year old son with him to baseball games on Sundays. ‟The Star-Spangled Banner‟ was always sung before the start of the games. One Sunday, the father and son were forced by the wife and mother to attend Church on the Sunday just before Independence Day. The congregation sang „The Star-Spangled Banner;‟ and after everyone sat down, the son jumped up suddenly and yelled, ‟Play Ball!‟ A pastor joined a local service club where most of his congregation were also members. Upon being assigned the task of making name tags for the group, the members of his congregation decided to play a practical joke on the pastor, and labeled Preparation his tag, „Hog Caller.‟ When the pastor saw his name tag, he 1. Spread each tortilla with laughed uncontrollably. Gaining his composure, he said openly, 2 Tbs. of cream cheese. ‟You usually call me the ’Shepherd of the Sheep,‟ he quipped, 2. Top with equal amounts ‟but I suppose you members know yourselves better than I do!‟ of vegetables.

The eldest minister of a local church had pastored there for 3. Roll up tightly to enclose more than 50 years. He was asked the secret of his longevity and filling and serve. staying power. He replied, ‟I stayed when they wanted me to Makes 4 servings stay; I stayed when they wanted me to go; I stayed when I wantPrep time: 20 minutes ed to stay, and I stayed when I wanted to go!‟